THE RECIDIVISTES QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7003, 28 April 1884, Page 5

THE RECIDIVISTES QUESTION.

[PBESS ASSOCIATION.] London, April 25. M. Ferry states that if recidivistes are sent to the Pacific, special precautions will be taken to prevent their escape. The Hon. Evelyn Ashley, speaking at Sandown, said that if colonists resident in New . Guinea and the colonies of Australia required armies and fleets to protect them from convicts, he considered that it would be the duty of England to back up the protests of Australia against the recidivistes scheme. London, April 25. In the House of Commons last night Lord Edmund Fitzmaurioe, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in reply to questions, stated that the Government is awaiting further communication from the French Government on the subject of the Recidivistes question, and that no negotiations had taken place with the German Government with reference to the transportation of French convicts to the Pacific. The Pall Mall Gazette expresses the opinion that the seizure by the French of the New Hebrides would constitute a casus belli between England and France, and advises that the Australian colonies should avoid all appearance of bluster in reference to France and the Pacific.

[reuter's telegrams.] Melbourne, April 26. Mr. James Service, as Chairman of the Committee of Premiers appointed by the Sydney Conference, has addressed a circular to the Premier's of the various colonies inviting opinions ■with a view to the introduction of the Recidivists Bill in the different Legislatures. The Trades Union Congress now sitting here has resolved to send a working man as a delegate to the working men of England, and also to appear at the bar of the House of Commons to appeal for assistance to prevent the influx of French recidivistes into the Australian colonies.